Popcorn Aloe

Plant Type: perennial, succulent
Plant Height: 2–3 feet
Spread: 3 feet (clumping)
Flower Color: orange-apricot
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Popcorn Aloe / Aloe camperi: Charming Clumping Aloe with Soft Texture
Popcorn Aloe (Aloe camperi) is a graceful, colony-forming aloe known for its verdant green leaves edged with soft, toothy margins and its late-season orange-apricot blooms. Unlike many aloes, it extends into spring, offering a beautiful floral display when others are past their peak. Its moderate size and gentle form make it a versatile choice for containers, rock gardens, and desert landscapes.

Key Features of Popcorn Aloe
This aloe forms dense clumps of rosettes, each reaching approximately 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. The strap-like leaves are slightly recurved with soft serrations that are not harsh to the touch. In bloom, the plant produces branched inflorescences about 1 to 1.5 feet above the foliage, showcasing puffier, less tubular flowers in warm apricot hues. Because of its extended bloom time, Popcorn Aloe is often used to prolong seasonal interest in succulent gardens.

Growing and Care Tips
Popcorn Aloe thrives in full sun but will appreciate some afternoon or filtered shade in extreme heat. It demands very well-draining soil—sandy, rocky, or gritty mixes are ideal. During its first season, water lightly to establish roots; allow the soil to dry between cycles. Once established, reduce watering and lean into its drought tolerance. Fertilization is optional; a mild cactus fertilizer in spring is sufficient. It can tolerate temperatures down to roughly the high 20s °F, but protection may be needed in colder zones.

Landscaping Uses
This aloe works beautifully as a specimen or accent in desert designs, rock gardens, and container plantings. Its clumping habit makes it ideal for filling ground space, edging pathways, or softening hardscape transitions. The soft texture and gentle edges make it a gardener-friendly choice in mixed succulent compositions.

Summary
Popcorn Aloe (Aloe camperi) combines approachable aesthetics with hardiness and extended bloom time. Its clumping form, gentle foliage, and warm-colored flowers make it a standout option for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance succulent that adds texture and seasonal interest.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Popcorn Aloe Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (around 6+ hours direct sun; shading during afternoon heat helps in extreme climates)
Soil: Exceptionally well-drained, gritty or rocky mix to prevent standing moisture
Spacing: Space plants about 2–3 feet apart to allow clump growth and airflow
Planting Depth: Place the crown at or just above the soil surface—do not bury deeply
Support: No staking required; rosettes are stable and self-supporting

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly once to settle soil and eliminate air pockets. Wait until the top soil is dry before irrigating again. During the first 2–3 months, water lightly every 10–14 days, depending on heat and soil type.
When is the Plant Established? Popcorn Aloe is considered established after around 6–9 months, when root systems are firm and new growth is consistent.
Watering Once Established: After establishment, irrigation should be minimal. In summer, water only during prolonged dry periods (every 3–4 weeks). In winter, supplemental watering is rarely needed unless soil is bone dry.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 10–12 inches from the rosette edge to avoid wetting the crown. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gph) and allow soil to fully dry between cycles. One emitter per plant is usually sufficient.
General Watering Tips: Always test soil moisture before watering—ensure the top few inches are dry. Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot. Use coarse gravel or rock mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the plant’s base for airflow.